The Therapeutic Power of Camp

As we embark on the year anniversary of uncertainty, changes to our everyday lives and “social distancing” due to the global pandemic, the need for social connections is more apparent than ever.  While this year at home has challenged us in many ways, it has also brought some unexpected benefits.  As our children and teens struggle with not having the usual activities such as play dates, outings with friends or family, graduations or even prom, families are striving for some meanin...
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5 Tips to Combat Zoom Fatigue for Children and Teens

6 Tips for Families to Improve Mental Health During a Global Pandemic main image
As this unprecedented and challenging year comes to an end, it is extremely important to keep in mind that many children are experiencing what is now coined “Zoom Fatigue” as a consequence of distant learning due to Covid-19.  Dr. Jena Lee indicates that Zoom fatigue “describes the tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with overusing platforms of communication.” Many of our families have described that their children or teens may feel overwhelmed with multiple Zoom sessions daily...
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Using Zones of Regulation At Home

Within our Help Group schools and our Kids Like Me (after-school therapeutic & enrichment) groups, we utilize the Zones of Regulation curriculum (by Leah Kyupers, OT) to help students develop self-regulation skills and emotional control. Given that stress and other difficult emotions are ever-present during the stay-at-home orders and Distance Learning, it is our goal to help caregivers implement some of the Zones language and activities at home as well.   Why Use the Zones? While th...
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Winter [Break] is Coming! Six Tips for Parents with Kids on the Autism Spectrum

November 3, 2017 By Jason Bolton, Psy.D. VP of Programs, The Help Group Yes, winter [break] is coming, which means no school for two to three weeks for a lot of students. Are you concerned about how you’ll keep your child busy? Children are accustomed to the structured routine of school. As a parent of elementary school-aged triplets who have faced their own neuro-developmental challenges, I value the importance of routine and predictability. When the calendar flips to November wit...
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